Government offices that advocate anti-smoking habits joined forces in Valenzuela City’s celebration of the 2017 World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) with the theme, “Tobacco – a threat to development.”

A series of activities, organized by the Bureau of Jail Management & Penology – Valenzuela, Department of Health, PhilHealth – Valenzuela, City Health Office, and Valenzuela Medical Center, was joined by some 200 attendees who are employees from said institutions.

The celebration unwrapped through a fun walk and a motorcade which started from Puregold Supermarket - Balubaran and ended at Valenzuela City People’s Park. At the park’s Aero Circle, the same participants danced Zumba with the theme, “Sayaw Laban sa Sigarilyo.” A short program and breakfast followed at the Social Hall.

Short lectures were also conducted by the Framework Convention Alliance on Tobacco Control, Philippines (FCAP) and the Philippine College of Chest Physician (PCCP).

DOH Non-Communicable Diseases Program Coordinator, Dr. Laila Celino, said during the program that the campaign is intended not only for smokers, but also for non-smokers who may be exposed to the health risks of secondhand smoke.

Annually, every 31^st day of May, the World Health Organization (WHO) advocates WNTD, highlighting the health hazards and additional risks associated with tobacco use. According to the agency’s report, the current estimate of more than 7 million tobacco-induced deaths each year may increase to more than 8 million per year by 2030.

To help reduce tobacco consumption, the WHO collaborates with its stakeholders to strengthen their appeal to countries to prioritize and accelerate tobacco control efforts, as part of their respective responses to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Attorney Jose Paulo Gonzales of Valenzuela Medical Center and Joey Peñaflorida, a staff from the city council, shared testimonies on how they have changed from being smokers to quitters, to enlighten their audience on how tobacco can worsen health concerns. Peñaflorida shared how he regrets being a chain-smoker from 1975 to 2014 for having suffered from left leg amputation in 2014.

The event ended with an Advocacy Partnership Signing, awarding of certificates, and presenting of winners for the poster-making contest.